Method for operating an authenticity tag

ABSTRACT

An authenticity tag includes a carrier for attachment to an object, a plurality of electrically conductive areas and a controller attached to the carrier. The controller includes a detector for detecting an electrically detectable quantity at the electrically conductive area, a memory for storing a comparative quantity and a communicator for communicating at least one of the comparative quantity, the electrically detectable quantity detected and a result of a comparison of the electrically detectable quantity detected and the comparative quantity to the outside.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from German Patent Application No. 10357 196.5, which was filed on Dec. 8, 2003, and is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an authenticity tag by means of whichit can be determined whether an original attachment of the authenticitytag has been altered. In particular, the present invention relates to anauthenticity tag which can be realized using semiconductor devices.

2. Description of Related Art

In order to protect devices or packages having an identical appearance,so-called “tamper indicating seals” (=protective stickers) have beenused until now. Stickers equipped with certain protective features (suchas, for example, a holograph, etc.) and which are destroyed when tryingto remove the seal, are thus attached to objects. This is mostlyachieved by applying differently strong adhesive materials in severallayers or divisions; when the sticker is removed mechanically it is todestroy itself. Toll vignettes for using Austrian or Swiss motorways arean example of such “temper indicating seals”. These toll vignettes mustbe stuck directly to the windshield and tear when they are peeled off.

Stickers containing a memory chip (such as, for example, RFID=radiofrequency identification tag) are also widespread.

It is of disadvantage that the memory chip of the “tamper indicatingseal” cannot control whether the sticker is actually still on theproduct (i.e. the object) to which it has been attached originally orwhether it has been peeled off by special tools. This is particularlyproblematic when a person buying a product is to be put into a positionby means of the “tamper indicating seal” to check, by simple tools, theauthenticity of the product offered to which such a “tamper indicatingseal” has been attached. In this context, an authenticity tag forbrand-name textiles could be cited as an example. Determining theauthenticity of original spare parts in the automobile or aircraftindustry and identifying the authenticity of packages, such as, forexample, CD covers, are further examples of this.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe and, at thesame time, simple way of checking the authenticity of a tag attached toan object.

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides anauthenticity tag including a carrier for attachment to an object, aplurality of electrically conductive areas and control means attached tothe carrier. The control means includes means for detecting anelectrically detectable quantity at the electrically conductive areas, amemory for storing a comparative quantity and means for communicating atleast one of the comparative quantity, the electrically detectablequantity detected and a result of a comparison of the electricallydetectable quantity detected and the comparative quantity to theoutside.

In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides amethod for operating an authenticity tag, the authenticity tag having acarrier for attachment to an object, a plurality of electricallyconductive areas and control means connected to the carrier, the controlmeans including means for detecting an electrically detectable quantityat the electrically conductive areas, a memory for storing a comparativequantity and means for communicating the comparative quantity and theelectrically detectable quantity detected or a result of a comparison ofthe electrically detectable quantity detected and the comparativequantity to the outside, having the following steps: detecting anelectrically detectable quantity at least one of the electricallyconductive areas; addressing the memory to read out a comparativequantity stored in the memory from the memory; and communicating atleast the comparative quantity and the electrically detectable quantitydetected or a result of a comparison of the comparative quantity and aversion of the electrically detectable quantity detected to the outside.

In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention provides adevice for tagging an object with an authenticity tag, the authenticitytag having a carrier for attachment to an object, a plurality ofelectrically conductive areas and control means connected to thecarrier, the control means including means for detecting an electricallydetectable quantity at the electrically conductive areas, a memory forstoring a comparative quantity and means for communicating thecomparative quantity and the electrically detectable quantity detectedor a result of a comparison of the electrically detectable quantitydetected and the comparative quantity to the outside, having: means forattaching the authenticity tag to the object; means for detecting anelectrically detectable quantity at an electrically conductive area; andmeans for storing a version of the electrically detectable quantitydetected as a comparative quantity in the memory.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides amethod for tagging an object with an authenticity tag, the authenticitytag having a carrier for attachment to an object, a plurality ofelectrically conductive areas and control means connected to thecarrier, the control means including means for detecting an electricallydetectable quantity at the electrically conductive areas, a memory forstoring a comparative quantity and means for communicating thecomparative quantity and the detected, electrically detectable quantityor a result of a comparison of the electrically detectable quantitydetected and the comparative quantity to the outside, having thefollowing steps: attaching the authenticity tag to the object; detectingan electrically detectable quantity at least one electrically conductivearea; and storing a version of the electrically detectable quantitydetected in the memory as the comparative quantity.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides adevice for checking an authenticity tag, the authenticity tag having acarrier for attachment to an object, a plurality of electricallyconductive areas and control means connected to the carrier, the controlmeans including means for detecting an electrically detectable quantityat the electrically conductive areas, a memory for storing a comparativequantity and means for communicating the comparative quantity and theelectrically detectable quantity detected or a result of a comparison ofthe electrically detectable quantity detected and the comparativequantity to the outside, having: means for comparing the comparativequantity and the electrically detectable quantity detected to obtain theresult of a comparison; and means for checking the result of thecomparison and for signaling an authenticity in a case in which thecomparative quantity and the electrically detectable quantity detectedare in a predetermined relation to each other.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the present invention provides amethod for checking an authenticity tag, the authenticity tag having acarrier for attachment to an object, a plurality of electricallyconductive areas and control means connected to the carrier, the controlmeans including means for detecting an electrically detectable quantityat the electrically conductive areas, a memory for storing a comparativequantity and means for communicating the comparative quantity and theelectrically detectable quantity detected or a result of a comparison ofthe electrically detectable quantity detected and the comparativequantity to the outside, having the following steps: comparing thecomparative quantity and the electrically detectable quantity detectedin order to obtain the result of a comparison; and checking the resultof the comparison and signaling an authenticity in a case in which thecomparative quantity and the electrically detectable quantity detectedare in a predetermined relation to each other.

In accordance with a seventh aspect, the present invention provides acomputer program having a program code for performing one of theabove-mentioned methods when the program runs on a computer.

The present invention is based on the finding that an increase intampering safety can be obtained by the fact that it is possible bymeans of such an authenticity tag to couple several of the electricallyconductive areas to one another when attaching the authenticity tag tothe object. An electrically detectable pattern (i.e. an electricalpattern) between two respective ones of the plurality of electricallyconductive areas can thus be established by such a coupling of severalelectrically conductive areas when attaching the authenticity tag to theobject. This electrically detectable pattern can be detected as anelectrically detectable quantity by the means for detecting and storedin the memory in a version as a comparative quantity. If theauthenticity tag is removed from an original object to which it has beenmounted and is attached to another object, the electrically conductiveareas of the authenticity tag, when attaching the authenticity tag tothe other object, would have to be arranged in exactly the same positionto one another as they were arranged at the original object in order tomaintain the electrical pattern stored in the memory in a version as acomparative quantity. This, however, requires a highly precise and thuscostly procedure. Thus, a removal and renewed attachment of theauthenticity tag becomes irrelevant from an economical point of view.Additionally, it is quite often not obvious in the inventive approach inwhich way the electrical pattern is established (i.e. by means of whichcouplings).

The electrical pattern can, for example, be established by means ofcharacteristic continuity, resistance, capacity or inductivity valuesfor the position of the electrically conductive areas.

The present invention thus offers the advantage of providing a simpleand cheap way of increasing the tampering safety of an authenticity tag.

Furthermore, it is possible via the means for communicating at least oneof the comparative quantity, the electrically detectable quantitydetected and a result of a comparison of the electrically detectablequantity detected and the comparative quantity to the outside to checkthe authenticity tag externally (i.e. outside the authenticity tag). Thecomparative quantity can, for example, be read out from the memory viathe means for communicating and the memory and transmitted to anexternal terminal outside. Additionally, the electrically detectablequantity can be detected at the electrically conductive areas via themeans for communicating and the means for detecting and be transferredfrom the authenticity tag to the external terminal. The comparativequantity and the electrically detectable quantity detected must becompared for checking the authenticity tag. Preferably, the authenticitytag is to be recognized as being authentic if the comparative quantityand the electrically detectable quantity detected are in a predeterminedrelation to each other. Alternatively, the comparison can also takeplace within the authenticity tag, wherein in this case only the resultof the comparison of the electrically detectable quantity detected andthe comparative quantity should be communicated to the outside.

When attaching one authenticity tag each to respective differentobjects, preferably each of the authenticity tags is to be attached in amanner individual for attaching the authenticity tag to the object bycoupling at least two electrically conductive areas to each other in aunique way. This has the result that the authenticity tags attached todifferent objects each comprise unique (i.e. different) couplings of theelectrically conductive areas.

It is another advantage that, by using a plurality of electricallyconductive areas on the authenticity tag, an electrical pattern having aplurality of parameter values, such as, for example, several continuity,resistance, capacity and/or inductivity values, between the individualelectrically conductive areas can be produced. In addition, areproducibility of the electrical pattern is complicated by increasingthe number of parameter values by which the electrical pattern isformed. In contrast to a simple individual electrical connection whichcan, for example, be repaired by means of a silver-conductive lacquer,this electrical pattern additionally can only be produced with higherexpenditure compared to the simple individual electrical connection.

Furthermore, the identification and the checking of the authenticitytag, respectively, are preferably to take place automatically and a usershould be able to perform an authenticity tag check himself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be detailedsubsequently referring to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the inventive authenticity tag;

FIG. 2A shows a preferred embodiment of applying the authenticity tag ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 2B shows a cross-section of the embodiment of applying theauthenticity tag illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the inventive method for taggingan object with the inventive authenticity tag; and

FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the method for checking theinventive authenticity tag.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the authenticity tag 100 including acarrier 102 for attachment to an object. The carrier 102 can, forexample, include a plastic material (such as, for example, a plasticfoil). The object to which the carrier is to be attached can, forexample, be an article produced by a manufacturer (such as, for example,brand-name textiles or an original spare part).

The carrier 102 can also include other materials, such as, for example,paper or a textile material. Furthermore, several electricallyconductive areas 104 are arranged at the carrier 102. The electricallyconductive areas 104 preferably include a metal material which isarranged on the carrier 102 in stripes. The electrically conductiveareas 104 are preferably arranged in parallel to one another andelectrically separated from one another by a respective insulation area105. The electrically conductive areas 104 can also be covered by aplastic foil, which is how they are protected from mechanical andchemical environmental influence. Additionally, the authenticity tag 100comprises at least one adhesive area 106 which, for example, contains aconductive adhesive. Preferably, several adhesive areas 106 are arrangedover the electrically conductive areas 104. When the electricallyconductive areas 104 are covered by the plastic foil, the plastic foilcan comprise openings in which the adhesive is arranged, at thosepositions where the adhesive regions 106 are arranged, which connectsthe adhesive areas 106 to the electrically conductive area 104 in aconductive way. When using an electrically conductive adhesive, acontacting of the electrically conductive areas 104 can thus take placevia the adhesive areas 106. The adhesive areas 106 can be arranged inspots over the electrically conductive areas 104.

Furthermore, the authenticity tag 100 preferably includes asemiconductor chip 108 connected to the carrier 102. Preferably, thesemiconductor chip 108 includes means for detecting 110, a memory 112,means for communicating 114 and means for comparing 116.

The means for detecting 110 is preferably formed to be connected, via abus system 118, to each of the electrically conductive areas 104 via theelectrically connecting lines 120. The means for detecting 110 can thusdetect, via the electrical connecting lines 120, continuity, resistance,capacity or inductivity values between, for example, two different onesof the electrically conductive areas 104. The means for detecting 110 isfurther connected to the means for communicating 114, to the means forcomparing 116 and to the memory 112.

The memory 112 is connected to the means for comparing 116 and to themeans for communicating 114. The memory 112 preferably includes anon-volatile memory formed as an ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash or bymeans of fuses. It is thus ensured by preferably forming the memory 112as a non-volatile memory that the memory contents cannot be deletedunwantedly. Furthermore, the memory 112 is to be formed such that it canonly be written on by an authorized institution. The memory 112 or themeans for detecting 110 can also include means for an analog-to-digitalconversion, not illustrated in FIG. 1, which is formed to digitalizedata transmitted from the means for detecting 110 to the memory 112 inan analog form and to store data in a digitalized form in the memory 112as a comparative quantity.

The means for communicating 114 is connected to the memory 112, themeans for comparing 116 and the means 110 for detecting. The means forcommunicating 114 preferably comprises wireless transmission means 122which is, for example, formed as an antenna. Via the means forcommunicating 114, data and energy between the means illustrated in FIG.1 and the memory 112 can be transmitted from an external device notillustrated to the authenticity tag 100.

The means for comparing 116 is connected to the means for detecting 110,the memory 112 and the means for communicating 114 and is configured tocompare data provided by the means for detecting 110 to a comparativequantity provided from the memory 112.

FIG. 2 a shows a preferred way of attaching the authenticity tag 100illustrated in FIG. 1. Here, the authenticity tag 100 is wound aroundthe object 200 (illustrated in FIG. 2A as a cylindrical object 200). Theauthenticity tag 100 illustrated in FIG. 2A differs, for reasons ofillustration, from the authenticity tag 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 onlyby a smaller number of electrically conductive areas 104 and by theabsence of the bus system 118 illustrated in FIG. 1. For reasons ofclarity, the detailed illustration of the means formed in thesemiconductor chip 108 and of the memory 112 is dispensed with.

As is illustrated in FIG. 2A, the authenticity tag 100 has been woundaround the object 200 with an offset (or a twist) so that several of theelectrically conductive areas 104 overlap in the overlapping area 202.The permanent attachment of the authenticity tag 100 to the object 200for example takes place by sticking the overlapping electricallyconductive areas 104 to one another in the overlapping area 202. As hasbeen described above, a conductive connection between the overlappingelectrically conductive areas 104 can be formed by using the conductiveadhesive in the adhesive area 106. In case the electrically conductiveareas 104 are covered by the plastic foil, the plastic foil preferablycomprises openings in which the adhesive areas 106 are arranged at thoseareas where there are the adhesive areas 106. In addition, specificcapacities are formed at those areas in the overlapping region 202 wherethe electrically conductive areas 104 are electrically separated fromthe underlying electrically conductive areas 104 (for example by meansof the plastic foil). These specific capacities between two electricallyconductive areas 104 arranged one above the other are characterized bythe areas where the two electrically conductive areas 104 are arrangedone above the other and thus form area capacities. By means of theoverlying or underlying electrically conductive areas 104 in theoverlapping area 202, inductivity values between neighboringelectrically conductive areas 104 can still be produced by means of across-coupling behavior.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-section of the embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2A,of the inventive authenticity tag at the sectional line A illustrated inFIG. 2A. The cross-section in FIG. 2B thus shows a carrier 102, whoseparts are arranged on top of each other with an offset, which comprisesfour electrically conductive areas 104. The individual electricallyconductive areas 104 on a carrier 102 are separated by the insulationareas 105. In addition, a plastic foil 204 is arranged on one side ofthe electrically conductive areas 104 and the insulation areas 105. Theplastic foil 204 comprises openings in which adhesive areas 106 (whichpreferably include a conductive adhesive or sticking material) arearranged. By arranging the carrier 102 parts on top of each other,electrically conductive connections between different ones of theelectrically conductive areas 104 are produced via the conductiveadhesive areas 106. By the fact that a plurality of adhesive areas 106are arranged on the electrically conductive areas 104, there are,through the twisting or offset of the carrier 102, a plurality ofdifferent coupling possibilities between the electrically conductiveareas 104 of the carrier 102. Furthermore, a capacitive or inductivecoupling behavior which is basically characterized by the respectiveareas of the electrically conductive areas 104, lying above one another,forms between those electrically conductive areas 104 not connected inan electrically conductive way by an adhesive area 106.

As an alternative to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2B, theelectrically conductive areas 104 can also be covered by a plastic foil204 on both sides. In this case, it must be ensured that different onesof the electrically conductive areas 104 can be coupled by adhesiveareas 106 in an electrically conductive way and capacitively orinductively, respectively. This can, for example, be achieved when theplastic foils 204 arranged on both sides of the electrically conductiveareas 104 comprise openings on both sides in which the conductiveadhesive material of the adhesive area 106 is arranged. It should alsobe made sure in such a case, that the respective adhesive areas 106 arein contact for forming the electrically conductive connection betweentwo different electrically conductive areas 104 and thus form theelectrically conductive connection. In order to form a sufficient numberof electrically conductive connections between different ones of theelectrically conductive areas 104, it is particularly desirable here toprovide as many or as large adhesive areas as possible in order toensure a sufficiently high probability for the electrically conductiveconnection to form.

FIG. 3 shows the steps of a preferred embodiment for tagging an objectwith the authenticity tag. In a first step 302, the authenticity tag isattached to an object which is, for example, an article of amanufacturer. The mounting of the authenticity tag thus for exampletakes place by wrapping it around an object, wherein preferably two ofthe electrically conductive areas are in contact or are arranged oneabove the other or next to each other. When using an electricallyconductive adhesive material, a conductive connection between two of theelectrically conductive areas can for example be produced by attachingthe authenticity tag, which is how a specific resistance between the twoelectrically conductive areas connected in an electrically conductiveway is formed. This specific resistance has a value depending on theposition of the connection between the two electrically conductiveareas. If no conductive connections between individual ones of theelectrically conductive areas are produced by attaching the authenticitytag to the object, at least when the electrically conductive areas arearranged one above the other or next to each other, a detectablecapacitive or inductive coupling behavior results, which ischaracteristic for the position of the electrically conductive areasarranged one above the other or next to each other. Furthermore, it canalso be determined by means of a continuity value whether there is anelectrically conductive connection between two electrically conductiveareas at all. In this way, an electrical pattern is formed whenattaching the authenticity tag to the object, wherein the pattern can becharacterized by means of at least one of a continuity, a resistance, acapacity and an inductivity value.

A read-out signal is transmitted in a subsequent step 304 from anexternal tagging device to the authenticity tag. Responsive to theexternally provided read-out signal, the electrically detectablequantity (i.e. the electrical pattern) at the electrically conductiveareas can, after attaching the authenticity tag to the object, bedetected for example by the means for detecting illustrated in FIG. 1.The reception of the externally provided read-out signal preferablytakes place by the means for communicating illustrated in FIG. 1.

The electrical pattern can thus be detected via the means for detectingby detecting the resistance, capacity or inductivity values between theindividual electrically conductive areas. This can, for example, takeplace by means of a low-frequency continuity and resistance measurementbetween two electrically conductive areas or by a high-frequencycapacity or inductivity measurement between two of the electricallyconductive areas. The energy required for such a measurement in themeans for detecting can, for example, be provided from the externaltagging device via the wireless transmission means and the means forcommunicating to the means for detecting. A passive authenticity tag canthus be realized, which is why a separate power supply of theauthenticity tag can be omitted and the authenticity tag can be operatedat low cost.

In a subsequent fourth step 308, an analog-to-digital conversion of theelectrically detectable quantity detected takes place. Theanalog-to-digital conversion of the electrically detectable quantitydetected can preferably take place in the means for detectingillustrated in FIG. 1 or in the memory illustrated in FIG. 1. Theelectrically detectable quantity is thus subjected to a transformationinto a version differing from an original version in which theelectrical quantity was originally detected by the means for detecting.The analog-to-digital conversion can additionally optionally include anencryption with a key of a symmetrical or asymmetrical encryptingmethod.

In a fifth step 310 following the fourth step 308, a version of theelectrically detectable quantity detected is stored in the memory as acomparative quantity. By storing the comparative quantity in the(preferably non-volatile) memory, the position of the individualelectrically conductive areas is thus detected and stored in an implicitform. In case the step of the analog-to-digital conversion includesencrypting the analog-to-digital-converted, electrically detectablequantity detected with a key of an encryption algorithm, the fifth step310 entails storing the encrypted version of theanalog-to-digital-converted, electrically detectable quantity detectedin the memory as a comparative quantity. As an auxiliary measure, a keymatching the key used, for decrypting the encrypted version of theanalog-to-digital-converted, electrically detectable quantity detectedcan be stored in the memory.

If the authenticity tag is removed from the object to which it has beenattached and is mounted to another object, the electrically conductiveareas 104 of the authenticity tag would have to be arranged again in thesame position to one another in order to maintain the electrical patternwhich is stored in the memory in a version as a comparative quantity.This, however, in particular when using a high number of electricallyconductive areas and, for example, a small strip-width of theelectrically conductive areas, is only possible when the position of theelectrically conductive connections is known and the procedure is highlyprecise. Often, knowing the position of the electrically conductiveconnections is, however, problematic. In addition, such a highly preciseprocedure is very expensive, which is why the removal and renewedattachment of the authenticity tag to another object is ineffective froman economical point of view. As an addition safety measure, theauthenticity tag can be attached to the object such that each attachmentof the authenticity tag to an object is individual. This means that afirst electrical pattern is formed when attaching a first authenticitytag to a first object, while a second electrical pattern is for exampleformed by attaching a second authenticity tag to a second object, thesecond electrical pattern differing from the first electrical pattern.Tampering with of the authenticity tag is additionally made moredifficult by such a procedure in that a different electrical pattern isstored in the memory as a comparative quantity in each authenticity tag.In this way tampering with an authenticity tag becomes even moredifficult.

FIG. 4 shows the steps of a preferred embodiment of the inventive methodfor checking an authenticity tag. At first, an enquiry signal is to betransmitted to the authority tag in a first step 402 by an externalchecking device (such as, for example, by a terminal, a tag reader oreven a mobile telephone). This enquiry signal can be transmitted eitherin a wireless way when the authenticity tag includes a wirelesstransmission, or can take place by an electrical contact via which themeans for communicating can be contacted. The read-out signal can, forexample, be formed by an enquiry sequence sent from a mobile telephoneof a potential customer of an article of a manufacturer provided withthe authenticity tag.

The means for communicating, in a second step 404, responsive to theread-out signal received, causes the electrical pattern to be detectedby the means for detecting. As has been discussed above, the electricalpattern is formed by resistance, capacity or inductivity valuesresulting from a position of the electrically conductive areas to oneanother. The detection of the electrically detectable quantity can againtake place by measuring at least one of a resistance, a capacity and aninductivity value at one of the electrically conductive areas.

In another step 406, an analog-to-digital conversion of the electricallydetectable quantity detected takes place. The analog-to-digitalconversion can thus take place either by the means for detecting shownin FIG. 1 or by the means for comparing illustrated in FIG. 1.

The fourth step 408 of the inventive method for checking an authenticitytag can take place in parallel to the second step 404 and the third step406, where the comparative quantity is read out from the memory. If aversion encrypted with a key of an encryption algorithm of ananalog-to-digital-converted, electrically detectable quantity detectedis stored in the memory, the step of reading out the comparativequantity from the memory should include decrypting the comparativequantity. A corresponding key which is preferably to be transferred viathe means for communicating must be provided for this. This canpreferably take place by retrieving a public key from a key database bymeans of the mobile telephone utilized or the tag reader. Alternatively,the (preferably public) key can be read out from the memory if the keyto be used for decrypting is stored in the memory.

The analog-to-digital-converted, electrically detectable quantitydetected and the read-out (and maybe decrypted) comparative quantity arethen compared to each other in a fifth step 410. This preferably takesplace in the means for comparing illustrated in FIG. 1.

In a sixth step 412, a result of the comparison performed in the meansfor comparing is communicated to the outside. Here, the authenticity tagcan be referred to as being authentic if a predetermined portion of thecontents of the comparative quantity matches theanalog-to-digital-converted, electrically detectable quantity detected.In this case, the authenticity tag is evaluated as “not removed”. Inthis case the potential customer of the article can assume that theauthenticity tag has not been removed from the object to which it wasoriginally attached. The chance that the authenticity tag has beenremoved but attached again in an attachment identical to the originalattachment is very low and thus need not be taken into consideration. Aresult of the comparison between the comparative quantity and theelectrically detectable quantity detected can also be signaled from theauthenticity tag via the means for communicating.

As an alternative to the above description, the means for detecting,responsive to the enquiry signal, can also be configured to transmit thedetected electrical quantity to the means for communicating. In such acase, the memory, responsive to the enquiry signal, is also configuredto transmit the comparative quantity to the means for communicating. Themeans for communicating subsequently transmits the electricallydetectable quantity detected (i.e. the detected electrical pattern) andthe comparative quantity to an external device for checking theauthenticity tag not illustrated in FIG. 1. The comparison of theelectrically detectable quantity detected and the comparative quantitycan then take place in the external device for checking the authenticitytag. Means for comparing can be omitted in such a scenario. Thisscenario also has the advantage that the comparison of the electricallydetectable quantity detected and the comparative quantity can take placeoutside the authenticity tag by means of a trustworthy device.

The inventive approach provides a simple and cheap way of increasing thetampering safety of an authenticity tag. In particular by preventing aconstant monitoring, as was, for example, necessary in the prior art, aconsiderable cost reduction can be realized due to the fact that aspecial energy supply of the authenticity tag can be dispensed with. Inaddition, the reproducibility of an identical authenticity tag can bemade considerably more difficult by the complex positioning of theindividual electrically conductive areas to one another, whichcontributes to a further increase in the tampering safety.

Depending on the circumstances, the inventive, methods can beimplemented in either hardware or software. The implementation can be ona digital storage medium, in particular on a floppy disc or a CD with acontrol signal which can be read out electronically, which can cooperatewith a programmable computer system to execute the correspondingmethods. In general, the invention also includes a computer programproduct having a program code stored on a machine-readable carrier, forperforming the inventive method when the computer program product runson a computer. Put differently, the invention can also be realized as acomputer program having a program code for performing one of the methodswhen the computer program runs on a computer.

In summary, the invention, according to a preferred embodiment, includesa sticker provided with a memory chip/RFID tag generating an electricalpattern when being attached, which is unique and stored in the chip.When this sticker is removed, the pattern can no longer be reproduced.In contrast to a simple individual electrical connection which could,for example, be repaired with a silver-conductive lacquer, theelectrical pattern produced cannot be reproduced easily after beingremoved from the original object.

Preferably, the sticker is made of a plastic material onto which aplurality of parallel metallically-structured patterns are applied,which are preferably provided with a conductive adhesive. When thesticker is applied, this should take place such that two portions of thesticker are placed one above another, which is how electricallyconductive connections form. The chip evaluates the number and positionof these conductive connections and stores them internally. The chipwill then only be classified as being authentic if a sufficientpercentage of the conductive connections is still active when beingtesting by the chip (i.e. if the electrically conductive connectionsstill exist). In this case, the sticker is evaluated as being “notremoved”. In this case, the chip passes on a signal confirming theauthenticity to a reader signaling the authenticity to the potentialcustomer.

As an alternative, several authenticity tags together can be attached toan object. This preferably takes place in the case that the object towhich the authenticity tag is attached is a flat object (such as, forexample, a CD cover). The attachment of the authenticity tag thuspreferably takes place by sticking electrically conductive areas whichare part of different authenticity tags one above the other. In thiscase, the electrical pattern is realized by electrically connecting theelectrically conductive areas of the different authenticity tags.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents whichfall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted thatthere are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andcompositions of the present invention. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A method for operating an authenticity tag, theauthenticity tag comprising a carrier for attachment to an object, aplurality of electrically conductive areas and a controller connected tothe carrier, the controller including a detector for detecting anelectrically detectable quantity at the electrically conductive areas, amemory for storing a comparative quantity and a communicator forcommunicating the comparative quantity and the electrically detectablequantity detected or a result of a comparison of the electricallydetectable quantity detected and the comparative quantity to theoutside, comprising the steps detecting an electrically detectablequantity at least one of the electrically conductive areas; addressingthe memory to read out a comparative quantity stored in the memory fromthe memory; and communicating at least the comparative quantity and theelectrically detectable quantity detected or a result of a comparison ofthe comparative quantity and a version of the electrically detectablequantity detected to the outside.
 15. The method according to claim 14,wherein the step of detecting includes measuring at least oneelectrically detectable quantity selected from the group consisting of aresistance, a capacity and an inductivity value.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the step of storing the comparativequantity in the memory or the step of detecting the electricallydetectable quantity at the electrically conductive area includesanalog-to-digital conversion of the electrically detectable quantity.14-37. (canceled)